Related Links

Alabama authorities raid Greene Co. gambling halls

Published: Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 1:42 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 3:41 p.m.

EUTAW, Ala. (AP) — State police raided Greenetrack and another gambling business in Greene County on Wednesday morning and seized more 700 bingo machines.

Attorney General Luther Strange said search warrants were served at Greenetrack in Eutaw and Frontier Bingo in Knoxville. The seizures were conducted by the attorney general's staff, state police officers and agents with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

"Today's actions are the culmination of an investigative process over the last several months," Strange said. "From my first day in office, we have worked hand-in-hand with Governor (Robert) Bentley and his staff to ensure that illegal gambling laws are enforced consistently across the state."

Strange said the raid occurred after Greenetrack refused his request to turn over some machines and let a court determine their legality. He said his only alternative was to seize those machines that state law enforcement agents had determined to be illegal.

"Unfortunately, Greenetrack has simply refused to compromise or discuss this matter in good faith and we have been left with no alternative but to treat this as we would any other law enforcement matter," Strange said.

Greenetrack reopened bingo machines in March after having been out of the business since July 2010, when state police seized 800 electronic bingo machines that resembled slot machines. Its new machines looked more like computer terminals.

Rep. A.J. McCampbell, D-Linden, represents House District 71, which includes Greenetrack. He said he received a call Wednesday morning from a Greenetrack employee who told him authorities were raiding the track.

He said he hates it because the track in the past has been a top employer in the county but, he said, there's nothing he can do about it.

"I understand they have a valid search warrant issued by a judge," McCampbell said.

McCampbell said he has heard of Frontier Bingo in Knoxville, but doesn't know anything about that operation.

Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, said he had seen the machines at Greenetrack and believes they are legal. He said the raid will give a court the chance to issue a ruling, which he predicts will be in Greenetrack's favor.

"Greenetrack is a law-abiding entity," he said.

Singleton said Greenetrack had built back up to 100 to 150 employees since bringing back bingo, and Wednesday's seizure will mean layoffs like occurred after last year's raid.

Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.